Ahead of their blockbuster tie this weekend, not many would have backed Manchester United to come good against the in-form Chelsea side at the Stamford Bridge. With three losses in eight games this season, Jose Mourinho's United weren't really expected to give the Blues a run for their money. But, contrary to popular perception, the Red Devils nearly pulled off a heist.
Beginning the game, United were understandably sitting deep inside their own half with the likes of Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial staying back. And, when Antonio Rudiger fooled Paul Pogba before leaping high and opening the scoring with a brilliant header via a corner in the first half, it seemed that Mourinho's men were once again in for a tough time.
Going into the half-time with a 1-0 lead, Chelsea began the second half with the same energy but soon ran into a rejuvenated front line of United. The likes of Romelu Lukaku, Rashford and Martial began exchanging passes before the latter pulled one back in the 55th minute. With Chelsea's dominance challenged, Maurizio Sarri's men pushed the tempo but it was United who eventually got in front in the 73rd minute through Martial's second goal of the game.
Reuters
Leading for the first time in the much-anticipated clash, United were desperately close to securing three points and a famous win at the Stamford Bridge. But, it wasn't meant to be. With just minutes left on the clock, Ross Barkley netted home Chelsea's late equaliser in the 96th minute (additional time) to snatch a point for his side.
If Barkley's fine goal wasn't enough to irk United and their fans, one of Chelsea's backroom staff became one of the biggest talking points of the 2-2 draw after his exuberant touchline celebrations enraged Mourinho and his camp. Marco Ianni, Chelsea's second assistant coach, was seen celebrating Barkley's goal right in front of the United manager.
Jose Mourinho triggered pic.twitter.com/ok2fSiaDhq
— St Woolwich Day (@StWoolwichDay) 20 October 2018
Mourinho was seen sitting comfortably in his chair until Ianni raced to the touchline before unveiling animated celebrations in front of the Portuguese. Irked by Ianni's antics Mourinho was seen chasing him inside the tunnel before the stewards intervened.
When asked about the incident, former Chelsea boss Mourinho said: "Oh come on, I can tell you that 97 minutes of the game was so good that you have to focus on that.
"I did not get respect back from Chelsea (fans) but that is not my responsibility. What I did here today I will do in Madrid, in Milan, in Porto, the reaction from the fans is not up to me. I am not annoyed with anything. What happened with (Maurizio) Sarri's assistant, Sarri was the first one to come to me and say he will resolve it. The assistant has already come to me and apologised, I told him to forget it. I have made a lot of mistakes in my career," he said.